Odyssey Reading Guide
Describe Scylla.
12 tentacles like a serpent; 6 with heads and sharp cage-like teeth
Consider Odysseus' behavior in lines 108-179. Do you think he is a good leader? Explain.
Odysseus is an excellent leader. When the men falter in turbulent waters, Odysseus keeps his head and cajoles them back into going back to their duties. He uses Circe's information judiciously. He tells them what they need to know but holds back unhelpful, disturbing information. Thus, he acts as a good role model, displaying wisdom, composure, patience, and bravery.
What happens to Eurylochus' men after they drink Circe's wine?
They turn into pigs.
Reread the simile in lines 193-199. The lines describe the men caught by the monster Scylla. What are the men compared with?
the two things being compared are the hooking of a fish by a fisherman and the capturing of O's men by Scylla. the comparison emphasizes the size and strength of Scylla, the powerlessness of the men, and the men's hopelessness.
Summarize the exchange between Odysseus and Circe in lines 68-85. What is Circe's advice to Odysseus? Do you think he will follow her advice? Explain. (Does Odysseus have the power to steer his own fate?)
Circe advises Odysseus to pass by Scylla and accept the loss of six men. She points out that trying to fight the monster will only cost him more men. Odysseus will pass Scylla, but he will not heed her warning about avoiding a fight. In the past, he has turned his back on such sound warnings.
What is the Land of the Dead also known as?
Hades, the underworld
Who is Elpenor? Why is he in the land of the dead? What does he ask Odysseus and his men for?
He is the crew mate that fell to his death after rolling out of bed. The men in their hurry to leave Circe's island, leave his body unburied. O vows to go back to Circe to give him an honorable burial and to erect an effigy (his oar) in his honor and as a warning to other men
What does Tiresias predict will happen if Odysseus raids the herds of Helios?
His crew will not make it home to Ithaca with him.
How does Odysseus escape the dangers of the Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis? (there's more than one answer here)
O survives by blocking his men's ears with beeswax; he avoids Charybdis and sacrifices six men to pass Scylla
Lines 4-21. What's a Siren? Why are they dangerous? How can Odysseus protect his men from this danger? How can he listen to their song and survive?
Siren: a beautiful woman that sings songs to ensnare men. O must fill their ears with wax to keep them from hearing their song. If he wants to hear, he must be strapped to the mast and if he should cry out to be untied, his crew must tie him tighter.
An epic hero's fate is often a matter of great importance to the gods and to the hero's homeland. In lines 77-117, Odysseus' fate is the subject of a prophecy by Tiresias, a blind seer who now dwells among the dead. A prophecy such as this can serve as foreshadowing in an epic or other story. Do you think that Odysseus' fate will unfold exactly as Tiresias foretells it? Explain why you think as you do.
The predictions of the wise men carry great weight. Tiresias' predictions are likely to come to pass.
notice the simile involving Circe's wolves and mountain lions. What is the point of the comparison? How does it affect your impression of Circe's hall?
The simile compares the drugged wolves and mountain lions, shaking their tails and looking up at Odysseus' men, to tame dogs that wag their tails and fawn on their masters when fed at the table. The point of the comparison is to show the power of Circe's magic, which can turn vicious predators into pets. The description inspires awe and fear of Circe and her great hall.
